Soups On
October 20, 2014
Changes in weather…changes in schedule…additional Fall projects…all have me in need of a little break and a little grounding. I can’t think of anything better to get me back on track and slow me down than a big bowl of soup. And if it’s simple…even better. Marcella Hazan’s recipe for Venetian style Rice and Smothered Cabbage soup fits the bill perfectly with just a few simple ingredients. If you plan ahead, prepare enough cabbage to have as a side, then transform the rest into the soup
The recipe can be found here:http://food52.com/recipes/27213-marcella-hazan-s-rice-and-smothered-cabbage-soup photos: gp
Separated at Birth
August 11, 2014
Is it me or are these two products related? What is the likelihood of seeing such similar characteristics in totally unrelated materials like this mens Hermes scarf and this box of packing material used by Heath ceramics? I’m also seeing a little of Picasso’s Guernica in the mix as well…anyone else?
Top photo: Hermes http://usa.hermes.com/man/tie-fre/scarves-140-for-men/imprimeur-fou/configurable-product-scarves-imprimeur-fou-47978.html
Bottom photo: gp
Even happily ever after….
June 19, 2014
has its moments when only a boatload of peanut M&M’s …a quart of quacamole…or simply a big ‘ol mess of smashed potatoes will do. And, ready to hold the solutions to all life has to dish up, the Heath Large Serving Bowl, from the Chez Panisse Line. simplequietmodern…especially in opaque white…even when empty. If you’re needing a gift for a wedding, birthday or any other special occasion this summer, you might consider this.
http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/962/s/large-serving-bowl-16/category/3/#p149
Just in time…
April 10, 2014
to celebrate. As I was trying to make up my mind on the glaze for my order of a modern cup from Heath, they introduce their new seasonal collection. What perfect timing for not one, but two…in a larger capacity…12 ounces…and the perfect finish…Basalt. The tall modern cup. One for my coffee and the other for a handful of white hyacinths. And, as long as this Spring here has taken a decidedly black and white turn…and I have some simplequietmodern basics covered…some tacky birthday cupcakes with a little neon frosting couldn’t hurt.
tall modern cup photo via http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1656/s/tall-modern-cup-pair-basalt/category/3/
Instead of seeing red,
February 9, 2014
I’m starting to see what appears to be a bit of blue peeking out of a darkly clouded sky. Yet more snow again this morning has me focusing on simplequietmodern white inspiration that will take my mind off of the weather for now. And, that little hint of blue, aqua really, might just have me considering a new addition to my completely neutral surroundings. Maybe it’ll help you too.

top to bottom:
This large modern cup in matte aqua glaze from Heath with keep both hands warm as you’re sipping any hot beverage from a simple dark roast to a hot buttered rum. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1005/s/large-modern-cup-5/category/3/#p147
Charles Pollock’s CP1 Lounge Chair marks his first new design release in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. Available in tufted leather or felt on a frame of stainless steel the CP1 captures all of the sex appeal of a classic Jaguar convertible. http://hivemodern.com/pages/product6560/bernhardt-design-charles-pollock-cp1-lounge-chair
If you feel like slowing down a bit, Heath’s vintage modern teapot design of the 1940’s will have you brewing a stylish cup of tea anytime. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/969/s/large-teapot/category/3/#p147
Until we’re ready for a shift to Daylight Savings Time there will be plenty of gray days ahead. Arne Jacobsen’s AJ table , wall and floor lamps have been directing light exactly where we’ve needed it since their release in 1957. http://hivemodern.com/pages/product2055/louis-poulsen-arne-jacobsen-table-lamp
Almost as snowy and sparkly as the view outside, this super chunky “Pixie Dust” by Knit Collage Yarns will knit up fast on some giant needles. Maybe a modern textured lap blanket in this wool and mohair blend will keep you cozy till Spring. http://knitcollage.com/collections/yarn/products/pixie-dust#6
A quick tour of the yard with your pruners could provide a branch or two of flowering Quince to force in this bulb vase from Heath. That’ll do nicely until the tulips are up and ready to cut and bring in. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/975/s/bulb-vase-8/category/40/#p147
all photos via the privided links
He’s makin’ a list…checkin it twice
December 4, 2013
Now’s a good time to start on your list as well. And, to help you along I’ve pulled together a few simplequietmodern ideas to get you going…mostly simple… that are thoughtful, inspired and won’t break the bank. If they aren’t a fit for someone on your list there is no harm in treating yourself to a little gift is there?

From top to bottom:
Who wouldn’t love this festive serving bowl from Heath in their holiday ruby and red suede glaze …extra special when filled with some spicy Maple Cayenne Glazed Walnuts. http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1538/s/bowl-ruby-red-suede-red/category/3/
You have plenty of time left to knit someone special this basic cap in Purl Soho’s new Merino Worsted Twist yarn. I have one near identical in cotton that I wear constantly so I know this’ll be a hit. Yarn, pattern and supplies needed are available through Purl.http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2013/10/10/purl-soho-basic-hats-for-everyone.html
This iPad Mini sleeve in charcoal suede from Need Supply Co. will add some simplequietmodern protection to our favorite new mobile device. http://needsupply.com/ipad-mini-sleeve.html
It doesn’t get any better than homemade marshmallows covered in chocolate unless you’ve received a gift of these…Jenna’s Peppermint Sticks from Simply Good Kitchen in Birmingham, Michigan. Thick dark chocolate over homemade marshmallow bars with just the perfect dusting of finely crushed peppermint sticks. You better get some for yourself while you’re at it. http://www.simplygoodkitchen.com/default.htm
These faceted balancing blocks of white-painted wood from Need Supply Company would definitely keep one happily occupied while on stuck on “hold”. http://needsupply.com/mens/new/balancing-blocks.html
Oaktown Spice Shop’s Everything Bagel Spice Blend takes one of our favorite flavor combinations and makes it easily applicable to almost anything. http://food52.com/provisions/products/37-oaktown-spice-shop-the-better-than-everything-bagel
Merry Christmas from pig heaven. Who wouldn’t love the a pound or two of thick cut bacon from Whole Foods Market. It could easily turn a vegetarian into a flexetarian. I’m just sayin’.
If it’s a gift for a gardener that has you stumped perhaps this galvanized weeder will fit the bill. I’m thinking a stroll through the garden won’t be complete without one. http://www.shopterrain.com/new-arrivals-garden-plants/galvanized-utility-weeder/productOptionIDs/bd0459cc-8958-45c4-b120-330bd8a8856a
They Just Make Good Scents
November 8, 2013
A cracking fire, a fresh-cut tree or a festive blend of citrus and spices…all aromas we remember from season to season and crave as the holidays grow closer. You can help things along early as I do and burn one of these a few minutes in the morning and again for a few when returning at the end of the day…starting now. The Fireside Candle from Bath and Body Works is a favorite…warm and smoky without smelling like the living room is in flames or the Heath Ceramics Red Suede candle cup scented with evergreens. Their fragrances will not only relax you but quietly kick-start your Christmas spirit.
candle cup photo: Heath
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=24386456&cp=12586994.12936192.4147333
http://www.heathceramics.com/catalog/product/view/id/1308/s/classic-holiday-candle/category/3/
Field of Dreams
May 18, 2013
Well, my tile dreams at least. Maybe yours as well if you are looking for a surface material that is just right for your simplequietmodern project. It might be a bath or powder room application, exterior detail or focal point on your classic modern residence or a simple back splash in the kitchen renovation you have been waiting too long for. The place to start is Heath Ceramics…then go directly to their classic field tiles. The selection seems endless between the tile shapes and sizes and then the numerous glazes. Even for the smallest project this might be the time to seek the help of an interior design professional to help you wade through and skillfully edit the selections to what would be most suitable for your application. The simplequietmodern choice is any of the classic oblongs tiles stacked vertically or horizontally, narrowest grout lines possible with a matte glaze in any of the stoney neutrals, the new double glaze in the gun metal /chalk combination or the classic mid-century modern white. When you go with a product that has been turning heads and winning awards since the middle of the last century you can be sure that your gorgeous result will bring that aesthetic history home well into the next.

April Showers…
April 1, 2013
bring May flowers and the simplequietmodern choice for accommodating a stem or two is a selection from the new Heath vase collection. The modern shapes and inspired glazes will add a distinctive mid-century note to any interior setting. Use them singly or en masse…matching glazes or mixed complementary shades…on their own or combine them with other pieces in the Heath line. And, while I don’t generally approve of vases sitting around empty, there is no arguing their sculptural appeal…filled or not.


These images are from Heath…more on this group can be found here: http://www.heathceramics.com/decorate.html?category=41



























